PARTNERED SCHOOL ARCHITECTURE
What architectural questions are posed by partnered British international schools? Andy Homden looks at the design of Harrow’s new school in Abu Dhabi for some answers.
What will it look like?
One of the first questions asked after plans to open a new partnered international school have been announced is ‘what is it going to look like?’
There are a number of issues just below the surface here:
- How is the new school going to set itself apart from its competitors in terms of design?
- How will its architecture reflect the new school’s value proposition to the community it will serve?
- How can the new school make a statement that makes it stand out, while presenting as a building that respects the local environment and culture?
- How will the architect reconcile the requirements of innovation and sustainability with the often ancient traditions of the partner UK school?
Harrow Abu Dhabi
It is in this context that the announcement made in February that Harrow International Schools Limited (HISL) will open their first school in the GCC in 2026 in partnership with the UAE-based school group Taaleem is of particular interest. When it came to designing the first school, what guided this new partnership in its choice of architect?
The answers are simple, but important: ‘trust’ and ‘confidence’.
In the first place it comes as no great surprise that Taaleem and HISL have found each other. Both have a well-established reputation for project delivery and building premium schools that quickly win the regard of parents and affection of their students. As the regional experts, Taaleem are well placed to lead the Harrow charge in what is for HISL a new area for expansion. For its part, HISL are the super-brand that adds significant value to Taaleem’s eclectic, but rationally developed portfolio of schools.
Trust and confidence
Which brings us back to trust and confidence. The design of the first Harrow International school in the MENA region will be critical – others are bound to follow. It may not be going too far to speculate that one of the reasons for Taaleem’s strong reputation for project delivery has been its growing relationship with Kidzink Design and Kidzink’s recent architectural iteration, Koda Architectural.
For Taaleem COO, Sam Truman, this relationship has been central to his group’s recent growth. Koda’s ability to deliver their brief on time and in budget, most recently with Taaleem’s new Dubai British School in Jumeira would have been a further powerful reason, if any was needed, that Taaleem were the right partner for Harrow:
“At Taaleem, we recognize the responsibility of upholding Harrow’s values and integrity. Koda was the natural choice to bring the Harrow story to life in the United Arab Emirates. As a longstanding and trusted partner to Taaleem, their deep expertise, depth and breadth of experience and capabilities, and forward-thinking approach make them the ideal collaborator in realizing Harrow’s vision in the UAE.”
And Kidzink/Koda understand what they have to deliver. According to Laura Hughes, Associate Director of Architecture at Koda:
“Harrow is more than a school; it is a storied institution steeped in history and tradition, guided by strong and unwavering values.”
“While we cannot recreate the history of Harrow, through design, we can set out to establish a new shared history – one that balances a respect for the past, with a forward-thinking vision that is both timeless and innovative. This aligns with Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage, traditions, culture and its vision for a dynamic future.”
Authentic and innovative?
This seems to strike the right note of authenticity needed for partnered school architecture, which, one imagines, will build the sponsors’ confidence and which, perhaps gives Koda space for a little innovative risk-taking: Laura Hughes again:
“Thoughtful design, guided by the principles of neuro-architecture, shapes the facilities and features throughout the school”
Neuro-architecture? It will be interesting to see how this is delivered and what it means in practice. The idea certainly has something to do with identity, fitting in and putting the community at ease:
“Across the exterior landscape, native plant species and natural play elements will be incorporated, along with the traditional red brick façade of the original Harrow, which will be integrated into the planting palette and featured in planters and outdoor furniture.”
Other design elements are what one might expect with references to the Harrow connection set in a local context:
“The outdoor rugby and football fields will play an integral role in school life and will be visible from all areas of the building, ensuring that sport remains a central and ever-present part of the school community.”
“Blending indoor and outdoor spaces, the dining hall opens onto the sports fields, featuring a long, shaded grandstand that follows the site’s natural contours. And the dining hall, which features long, bench-style communal seating, bringing together staff and students of different ages in the Harrow tradition is a key reference point.”
Koda expects . . .
What about squaring the circle of tradition and sustainability? Dain Dominic, Principal Director of Architecture at Koda is clear what he expects of his team: “We will be designing for longevity with a sense of permanence and purpose, both in terms of sustainability as well as for establishing a new story and new traditions befitting the Harrow name.” Clever.
Andy Homden is the editor of International Teacher Magazine and the CEO of Consilium Education
Kidzink was founded in 2017 in Dubai by Charlotte and Paolo Borghesi, who offer their architectural services via Koda, the Kidzink Office of Design & Architecture.
Feature & Support Images kindly provided by Kidzink
